Clarifying the clarification

In response to The Gazette's Sept. 2 "Clarification," Mr. [Thomas] Moore was accurately quoted by Drew Powell in the Aug. 26 letter to the editor, "Mayor, council infighting a burden to Rockville business."

In The Gazette's Aug. 19 article, "Civility has eluded council, some say," Mr. Moore's original statement read, "I don't think the council is in danger of turning into anarchy, but we're getting closer to that point." Most readers would understand Mr. Moore to be saying [he does] not believe that the current Rockville City Council is descending into a state of disarray, however the current Rockville City Council is nearly in a state of disarray.

Concurring with Mr. Moore's excellent assessment of Mayor [Susan] Hoffmann's council, my letter closed with: "I find myself in agreement with council candidate Thomas Moore when he says, Hoffmann's council may not yet be in anarchy, but we're getting close...'"

Making oneself clear when speaking is an important part of serving as an effective and credible elected official. No one can read Mr. Moore's mind. If he meant something else, then he should say it. In the future, Mr. Moore may want to keep his statements clear and concise in order to be better understood.